SINGAPORE – A man allegedly punched a cabby in the face after he was told to get out of the taxi because it had been booked by another person.
The police are investigating the incident, which is claimed to have taken place final Saturday night time (April 23) in Beach Road, after a report was made.
An eyewitness account, which included a video of the man leaving the scene, has gone viral on social media, garnering greater than 78,000 views on Twitter.
Dr Malcolm Keating, an assistant professor of philosophy at Yale-NUS College, wrote on Twitter on Sunday that he noticed the man get into the taxi that he had booked together with his mates.
“When the driver asked him to leave and I opened the back door, he reached up and hit the driver,” mentioned Dr Keating, who shared a video of the man strolling down Haji Lane whereas the individual filming the video urged passers-by to name the police.
The police mentioned on Monday {that a} report had been lodged, and that investigations are ongoing.
In response to queries, ComfortDelGro group chief branding and communications officer Tammy Tan mentioned on Monday that the corporate is in contact with the cabby and can be waiving rental for the three days of medical leave he has been given.
“Those who have been assaulted have been told not to retaliate when facing a threatening situation but to try and remember as much as they can, so that they can assist the police in their investigations,” mentioned Ms Tan.
She added that in such instances, taxi drivers ought to file a police report and ahead it to the corporate for follow-up motion.
“We help them with their medical claims, losses and also rental waiver, if needed. We also compensate them for their loss in income when they are required to attend court as witnesses,” mentioned Ms Tan.
She thanked Dr Keating and his mates for serving to the cabby and bringing the matter to ComfortDelGro’s consideration.
Dr Keating mentioned on Twitter that netizens had helped to establish the man and he has given the knowledge to the police.
He added that he spoke to the taxi driver on Sunday morning. “I think he is okay but shaken up. This was inexcusable behaviour and I’d like to see this man be held accountable.”
